Insurance Blog

​Car Maintenance You Might Be Overlooking—And Why It Matters for Insurance​

Life gets busy. Car maintenance often falls into the category of “I’ll deal with it when I have to.”

But small maintenance decisions can affect more than performance. They can influence vehicle reliability, long-term value and even what happens after a claim.

ERIE Training and Delivery Specialists Scott and Chris have spent years working with vehicle damage claims and evaluating vehicle condition after accidents. They’ve seen firsthand how routine maintenance—or the lack of—shows up over time.

“Establishing a relationship with a mechanic you trust is a great way to protect your car—and often your budget,” shared Chris.

Noticing small changes early helps you schedule service on your terms instead of dealing with an inconvenient repair later.

How Are Car Maintenance and Insurance Connected?

Insurance is there for sudden, accidental damage—not gradual wear or mechanical breakdowns.

But maintenance still plays a role in claims outcomes.

Vehicle condition can influence:

• Overall vehicle value in a total loss
• Repair scope after an accident
• How damage presents during inspection

“If you experience a total loss and your car wasn’t maintained regularly, that can affect the value of your vehicle,” said Scott. “It’s like when you are trying to sell your car. The better condition it’s in, the more it’s worth. It works similarly after a claim.”

Regular maintenance helps preserve vehicle condition.

Helpful note:
Your ERIE agent can explain how your auto policy works and how vehicle condition fits into valuation conversations.

Why Some Maintenance Issues Are Easy to Miss

Oil changes and tire rotations are easy to remember. But many items wear down quietly.

Chris noted:

“You’ll see a lot of maintenance issues with older cars. With newer ones, they’re built to last longer and maintenance is often minimal. But ignoring or neglecting basic maintenance can still cause issues.”

Routine care may be less frequent with newer vehicles—but what are some things to look out for?

• What if Your Check Engine Light Comes On, But the Car Feels Fine? This doesn’t always mean an emergency. It can be something simple. But it’s worth scheduling a diagnostic check before it becomes a bigger issue.

• What if Your Steering Feels Different After Winter? Cold temperatures, salt and winter driving conditions can affect fluids and belts. If your car doesn’t feel quite the same, a routine inspection can confirm everything is functioning properly.
• What if Your Brakes Sound Different? Winter moisture and road salt can accelerate normal brake wear. Many mechanics recommend brake inspections annually—especially after heavy winter driving.

A seasonal check can help ensure your vehicle is ready for everyday driving.

Which Fluids Matter Most?

You don’t need to check them yourself—but it helps to understand their role.

Your vehicle relies on:

• Coolant – Prevents overheating (often flushed between 100,000–150,000 miles depending on manufacturer guidelines)
• Brake fluid – Supports brake responsiveness (commonly inspected annually)
• Transmission fluid –  Which lubricates gears supports smooth shifting and longevity

Scott explained:

“Lots of people overlook flushing coolant or other fluids. Depending on your owner’s manual, you might go 100,000 to 150,000 miles before it’s required. But keeping those fluids fresh helps your car work the way it should.”

Always consult your owner’s manual or mechanic for specific intervals.

What’s that squealing sound? Engine Belts

Belts help power key systems like steering and engine cooling. Over time, they wear down—especially with temperature swings and winter driving.

Timing belts keep your engine’s crankshaft and camshaft in sync. Many newer vehicles have timing chains, which are more durable, and in some instances can last the life of the car.

Certain clues, such as a misfiring engine or a ticking noise, may indicate that it’s failing. But your timing belt can also break without warning. When it does, the engine can become inoperable and cause damage to other critical components.

Serpentine belts, or drive belts, transfer power from the engine to important parts such as the alternator and steering pump. These long, continuous belts can break down over time due to friction and heat and can result in an overheated engine or loss of steering assistance.

Belts are one of those parts most drivers don’t think about—until they start making noise. A quick inspection during routine service can usually catch wear before it becomes a bigger inconvenience.

Don’t Forget About What You Can’t See: Undercarriage Wear

Winter driving doesn’t just affect what’s under the hood. Road salt and moisture can take a toll underneath your vehicle, too.

Rust in the undercarriage often develops gradually and may go unnoticed without an inspection.

Chris explained:

“Regular car maintenance keeps your car operating at a good performance level—but structurally, it matters too. If rust in the undercarriage goes unnoticed, it can weaken parts of the vehicle over time. In an accident, that can sometimes lead to more extensive damage than people expect.”

Keeping an eye on undercarriage wear can help preserve durability and long-term value.

Cabin and Engine Air Filters: Small Parts, Big Impact

The cabin air filter cleans the air that enters your vehicle’s cabin through the heating and air conditioning system.

As it catches dirt, dust and other airborne debris, the filter can fill up with gunk over time and become ineffective at doing its job. When that happens, you may notice:

• Reduced airflow from vents
• Musty or unpleasant odors
• Increased allergens inside the cabin

“People always forget about their cabin air filter,” Scott says. “It gets neglected a lot, but it helps give you cleaner, fresher air in your car. If you have allergies, especially, it’s something to keep an eye on.”

The engine air filter prevents dirt and debris from entering the engine during combustion. A dirty or clogged filter can lead to:

• Reduced engine performance

• Lower fuel efficiency
• Darker exhaust emissions

Depending on your driving habits and location, car manufacturers typically recommend changing engine air filters every 15,000 to 45,000 miles. Regular inspections can help you avoid unnecessary strain on your engine.

Checking or replacing these are easy wins during routine service.

How to Stay Ahead (Without Doing It Yourself)

Skipping maintenance rarely causes immediate failure. But small issues can grow.

Simple ways to stay proactive:

• Schedule annual inspections
• Keep maintenance records
• Follow manufacturer mileage guidelines
• Address small warning signs early

To help you be proactive, we compiled a checklist for each season to ask your mechanic to check yourself on your vehicle. 

A Coverage Review: Just as Important as Maintenance

Vehicles change. Driving habits change. Families grow.

Just as you periodically service your car, it’s smart to review your insurance coverage.

An ERIE agent can help ensure your policy reflects how you use your vehicle today—and explain how maintenance fits into the bigger picture.

 

Fluid Levels

While engine oil might get all the attention, many of your car’s important components rely on fluids that must be regularly attended to. For example, coolant is essential to keeping your engine from overheating and seizing, brake fluid transfers the force from your car’s pedal into its brake system, and transmission fluid lubricates the shifting gears and reduces friction to keep your transmission running smoothly.

Additional fluids, such as power steering and differential fluid, also require changing at different times. As all fluids perform important functions and are worthy of keeping a maintenance schedule, your auto technician can help you manage your car’s upkeep in accordance with your vehicle’s manufacturer guidelines.

Engine Belts

Owners of cars of a certain age or mileage might be familiar with your engine’s various belts and the need to eventually replace them.

Timing belts are integral to keeping an engine running by synchronizing its crankshaft and camshaft. Many newer vehicles have timing chains, which are more durable, and in some instances can last the life of the car. While certain clues, such as a misfiring engine or a ticking noise, may indicate that it’s failing, your timing belt can break without warning, making the car inoperable and often resulting in damage to other components.

Serpentine belts, or drive belts, are another essential belt that should eventually be replaced. These long, continuous belts transfer power from the engine to important parts such as the alternator and steering pump. However, they also break down over time due to friction and heat and can result in an overheated engine.

As vehicle’s specifications differ, you owner’s manual will have recommendations on when to replace these belts.

Cabin Air Filter

Not to be confused with the engine air filter—we’ll get to that later—the cabin air filter cleans the air that enters your vehicle’s cabin. Since it catches dirt, dust and other airborne debris, the filter can fill up with gunk over time and become ineffective at doing its job. When really saturated, it can even result in decreased airflow and unpleasant odors coming from your climate system.

Most cabin air filters are located behind the glove box and are relatively simple and inexpensive to replace. They should be replaced roughly every 15,000 miles. But if you’ve never changed your cabin air filter, be forewarned: it can appear pretty grimy and make you wonder what you’ve been breathing in while you drive.

Engine Air Filter

Just as the air filter in your car’s cabin cleans the air for its occupants, an engine air filter allows your engine to breathe. But an old and dirty air filter can let dirt, dust and other particulate matter inside your engine, which can result in a loss of power, dark exhaust and reduced fuel efficiency.

Depending on your driving habits and environment, it’s wise to at least inspect the engine air filter regularly to ensure it’s visibly clean. Car manufacturers generally recommend changing them anywhere between 15,000 and 45,000 miles, depending on the make and model.

Spark Plugs

Your car’s engine needs a spark to ignite the air-fuel mixture inside the combustion chamber, and that’s where spark plugs come into play. Over time, however, spark plugs can become less effective at doing their job.

When they begin to misfire, faulty spark plugs can result in things like rattle-like noises, difficulty starting and poor gas mileage. As spark plugs can vary in their lifespan, drivers should consult their owner’s manual to determine when to replace them as part of a preventative maintenance routine.

A Coverage Review

No, it’s not technically maintenance on your car, but it’s a good opportunity to make sure your insurance coverages are in line with your current needs. Like changing your oil or your cabin air filter, coverage reviews should take place periodically to help ensure things run efficiently.

Find a local Erie Insurance agent to help you understand what the right coverages are for you and why they matter. Get a free quote today.  

Posted on 10 March 2026 | 5:00 pm

Hydroplaning: What is It and How Can You Avoid It?

Hydroplaning is the loss of control you feel when water comes between the road and your vehicle’s tires. When enough water collects on roads during heavy rains, your tires can lose contact and end up gliding. It can lead to a loss of traction and cause vehicles to skid off the road or into each other.

In this guide, we explain:

• What hydroplaning is
• What to do if your car starts hydroplaning
• How to prevent hydroplaning
• How strong rainfall affects hydroplaning
• Whether insurance covers hydroplaning damage

It doesn’t matter the season: heavy rain and wet roads can occur at any time of the year. That means slick roads, limited visibility and yes, hydroplaning.

No matter the weather, having the right auto insurance can give you peace of mind. But hydroplaning can be scary – so it’s important to understand the conditions when it’s likely to occur, and what to do if it happens.

FAQs

What Is Hydroplaning?

Hydroplaning happens when your vehicle loses control in wet conditions because your tires don’t have enough traction on the road. Hydroplaning happens when water on the road’s surface is not sufficiently pushed out of the way by your vehicle’s tires. This causes your vehicle to rise on top of a thin layer of water between your tires and the road. All traction is lost in less than a second, and you have very limited control of your vehicle.

What Should I Do if I Start Hydroplaning?

If you find yourself hydroplaning, don’t panic. Instead, follow these steps:

1. Firmly hold the wheel and slow down. Don’t slam on the brakes.
2. Steer gently in the direction you’re sliding
3. As you slow down and straighten out, keep mirroring the movement with your steering wheel.
4. When you feel your tires reconnect with the road, continue to stay alert and drive defensively.
5. Pull over safely if you need a moment to recover.

Vehicles with anti-lock brakes and traction control are less likely to spin under hard braking. If you don’t have anti-lock brakes, brake gently with a pumping action.

 While it can be scary when you lose control of your car, most skids last for only a split second before your car gains traction and you regain control. It’s best to wait it out and stay calm.

How Can I Avoid Hydroplaning?

Hydroplaning can occur on any wet road surface. According to the American Safety Council, the first 10 minutes can be the most dangerous when driving in heavy rain. Here are a few ways to avoid hydroplaning:

• Watch your speed. Slow down and drive carefully when the roads are wet.
• Stay away from puddles and standing water. Keep toward the middle of the road and drive in the tire tracks left by cars in front of you.
• Turn off cruise control. There is a chance that your car will accelerate if you hydroplane, and your reaction time will be slower if using cruise control.
• Take your time. Be cautious around curves and steer and brake with smooth, light touches.
• Be extra cautious at intersections. This is an area where engine oil and water could mix, creating extremely slick spots.

[H2] Is Hydroplaning More Likely in Heavy Rain?

Hydroplaning is considerably more likely in heavy rain, as rapid accumulation of rainwater can flood the road. Significant rainfall can overwhelm drainage systems, creating standing water that comes between your tires and the pavement. You’re also at an increased risk of hydroplaning in the first 10 minutes of heavy rains when dirt and oils are lifted off the road’s surface.

When heavy rains threaten, it’s best to keep in mind driving practices that can help reduce your chances of hydroplaning.

How Can I Prepare My Vehicle for Heavy Rain?

Here’s a list of things to check to help make sure your car is up to the task of driving in wet conditions:

• Tires: Be sure to check your tire pressure at least once a month to ensure your tires are properly inflated. Your car’s proper tire pressure can be found in the owner’s manual as well as on the manufacturer’s sticker typically located on the driver’s side door jamb.

Also regularly inspect your tire’s tread. If your tire has less than 2/32 of an inch of tread remaining, you should replace your tires immediately.

• Brakes: It takes longer to stop when the roads are wet. Be sure your brakes are in good condition by having them inspected regularly.
• Windshield: Consider applying a water-repelling treatment to your windshield, which can dramatically improve visibility. Also, check your wipers to make sure they’re in good condition and working properly. Learn when and how to replace your windshield wipers.
• Headlights and defroster: Both can help with visibility in rainy weather.
• Emergency kit and jumper cables: You never know when they could come in handy. Get a list of what to include in your car emergency kit.

 

Will My Insurance Cover Hydroplaning Damage?

Damage that occurs because of hydroplaning is usually covered by collision coverage, which pays repair costs when your vehicle is in motion and is damaged in an accident, either with another vehicle or an object.

So, if your car hydroplanes into another vehicle, a ditch or a guardrail, your collision coverage will cover the cost of repairs to your vehicle. Liability coverage pays for the damages to other vehicles, people or property if you are found to be at fault for an accident.

If you want collision coverage, most insurance companies also require you to have comprehensive coverage. This insurance covers damages caused by things such as weather events, vandalism and animals, but does not typically cover accidents caused by hydroplaning.

Terms to Know

• Collision Coverage can cover the cost of repairing your vehicle when it is damaged in a car accident with another vehicle or object up to your policy limits. Collision coverage is optional and a deductible must be met before coverage kicks in.
• Liability Coverage protects you if you are found at fault in an accident. It covers damages to other people and property up to your policy limits.
• Contact Patch refers to the area of the tire that contacts the road at any given time. When a car hydroplanes, water comes between the contact patch and the road.
• Displacement is when your tire tread channels water away to keep contact with the road.
• Traction is the friction that must be kept between the tire and the road to allow for acceleration, braking and effective steering.

Drive With Confidence. Rain or Shine.

It’s not just four wheels and an engine—it’s the car you cherish. Your Erie Insurance auto policy protects your car and quickly gets you back on the road should something go wrong. Learn more about auto insurance from ERIE or talk to your local agent for details. 

Posted on 9 March 2026 | 5:00 pm

Helping Your Home Recover from Winter

Winter weather can be rough on your home. To help your home recover in spring, take a good look at your roof, ceilings, windows, gutters and yard. Addressing necessary maintenance can help reduce damage, and the potential for needing to file a homeowners claim.

Purchasing your own home is an exciting milestone. Being a homeowner allows you to customize your home to your tastes, giving you a space you enjoy coming home to. However, along with home improvement projects comes upkeep as well.

Winter is usually rough on your home. Once snow, ice, wind and freezing temperatures calm down, spring is a good time to check how your home withstood the season. When spring arrives, you might find you have a list of projects to help your home recover from winter. You can download our checklist here.

How can I help my home recover from winter?

When the temperatures start rising and snow is melting, it’s the prime time to ask yourself some important questions about how your home weathered winter.

• How’s your roof looking? Have your roof inspected. This is especially important if you notice any leaks or loose shingles or metal. The freezing and thawing that was so common this past winter can create big splits out of small cracks. Read this to check if you have the right insurance coverage to protect your roof.
• Do any ceilings have stains? If your roof is leaking, your ceiling may have a yellow or brown stain. If so, first fix the leak before sealing the stain with a sealer/primer then apply a coat or two of paint. Moisture problems can lead to mold or mildew build-up, so fix them quickly before you have a bigger problem on your hands.
• Are your doors and windows in good shape? Inspect windows and doors. Things to look for on doors include bent or broken hinges, frames or edges. Depending on the extent of the damage, you can either repair or replace the door. Also, check screens for holes before you swap out your storm panels.
• Are there cracks in your driveway? Consider resealing your driveway. A lot of water seeps into driveways during the winter, which can create cracks when it freezes then thaws. If you notice a lot of cracks, consider having it resealed to prevent further cracking.
• Does your deck need some TLC? Seal your deck every few years. If your deck is looking worn-down, have it pressure washed and resealed. Check for loose railings, splintering boards and any loose nails. If you plan to hire a professional to repair and update your deck, use our checklist for hiring the right contactor.
• Does your fence need repaired? Check your fence(s). Repair or replace any loose slats or rot on your fences. Use epoxy to patch up any worn wood. Use these tips for larger fence renovations, too.
• Did winter leave your gutters clogged? Leaves can weigh things down while ice dams can bend and break gutters. Grab a pair of gloves, a sturdy ladder and a trowel to clear any leaves and debris out. Call a professional if you’re not comfortable doing this on your own. Want more tips? Check out this post on how to clean your gutters.
• Did ice dams impact your roof? If you’re dealing with an ice dam and want to try a DIY approach, first remove snow with a long-handled aluminum roof rake. Then fill a pair of pantyhose with calcium chloride ice melter and hang it from your roof so it crosses the ice dam and hangs off the gutter. If that doesn’t melt the ice dam, call a pro—you don’t want to be up on your roof during icy conditions. Learn more in this post on what to know about ice dams.
• Do you need to reseal any openings? Apply caulk to leak-prone areas. Expansion and contraction can cause openings that will let April rains seep in. Seal it up by applying exterior caulk to leak-prone areas like windows and areas of the siding where walls join together.
• Are your spigots in good shape? Inspect outside faucets and hoses. Turn them on to ensure water is still running as it should; if you can stop the flow with your thumb, the water pressure may be too low and a pipe inside your home may need to be fixed.
• Did winter affect your foundation? Look for frost heave. Take a look at your home's foundation for cracked, tilted or displaced concrete floor slabs. After winter, a frost heave could cause your home's foundation to shift. Use these tips to spot and prevent frost heave damage.

How can I help my yard recover from winter?

Your yard goes dormant throughout the winter, and the cold temperatures can seriously wear it down. These questions can help you identify where your yard needs some help.

• How’s your lawn looking? Check for damaged patches of lawn. Salt, plows and disease can do a number on your grass, so use a metal rake to remove any dead or damaged patches.
• When and how short should you cut your grass? Don’t mow too early. Grass needs a chance to reestablish itself, so let it grow reasonably tall before mowing. For the first mow, use the high setting to keep the grass strong. Be sure to take a walk through your lawn beforehand as well, and clean up any branches or debris that blew into your yard during the winter storms.
• Should you overseed your lawn? Yes. Overseeding is the process of planting grass seeds directly into the existing turf. This leads to denser grass with more color variation. Though best done in the fall, you can still get great results by overseeding in the spring. Slit-seeder machines can do the work for you; ask a home supply store specialist for help choosing one.
• What if you’re tired of maintaining your grass lawn? Switch to a new grass alternative. If you’ve been debating abandoning the traditional grass lawn for something with less maintenance, spring and fall are typically the best times to start.
• Do your shrubs and trees need pruned? Spring is ideal for taming overgrown trees and shrubs. Using a pruner, trim trees and shrubs back to their live stems. (For any branches thicker than ½ inch, use a handsaw.)
• When can you start cleaning up your yard? Wait until temperatures are consistently in the 50s. (Wait until the soil warms up in mid- to late-spring before applying a new layer of mulch. If you put it down too early, it will slow the warming process.) Clean up the area around plants. Rake up any leaves, uproot any dead annuals and remove existing mulch a little at a time as the temperatures warm. While in your garden, cut back flowering perennials to a height of four or five inches to allow space for new growth.
• What’s the best way to clean up your walkway? Rake any errant gravel back into place. If you have flagstones, fill new sand or stone dust into the cracks. If stones are looking weathered, consider using a pressure washer to take grime off.

Make sure you take a look at how to help your car recover from winter, too. 

What happens if I don’t stay on top of home maintenance?

While it might be tempting (and cheaper in the short term) to push off certain repairs, not tackling them right away can lead to more damage and bigger repair costs in the long run.

For example, not fixing your roof if it has leaks or missing shingles could lead to persistent water leaks that could impact your home’s structural integrity. You could end up replacing not just shingles but wooden beams, repairing ceiling water spots and potentially even addressing mold issues.

Deferred maintenance that a homeowner was aware of but didn’t repair can also result in a denied claim, especially when it comes to claims involving water.

Protect your home with homeowners insurance you can trust

You work hard to invest in your home. At ERIE, we get the emotional and financial importance of your biggest investment – which is why our homeowners insurance goes the distance.

Ask a local ERIE agent about homeowners insurance with 100% Guaranteed Replacement Cost.¹ Unlike an actual cash value policy that subtracts for wear and tear and depreciation, Guaranteed Replacement Cost covers the cost to rebuild after a covered loss at current construction costs, especially with the cost of materials continuing to rise.

Learn more about what makes our homeowners coverage different, or find a local ERIE agent to request a quote.

¹Guaranteed Replacement Cost applies to covered losses and requires home improvements over $5,000 to be reported within 90 days—not available with all policies and in all states. Coverage of costs to comply with laws or ordinances is subject to limits. Depreciation will be deducted until repair or replacement is completed. Talk to your ERIE agent for more information.

Posted on 9 March 2026 | 5:00 pm

Helping Your Home Recover from Winter

Winter weather can be rough on your home. To help your home recover in spring, take a good look at your roof, ceilings, windows, gutters and yard. Addressing necessary maintenance can help reduce damage, and the potential for needing to file a homeowners claim.

Purchasing your own home is an exciting milestone. Being a homeowner allows you to customize your home to your tastes, giving you a space you enjoy coming home to. However, along with home improvement projects comes upkeep as well.

Winter is usually rough on your home. Once snow, ice, wind and freezing temperatures calm down, spring is a good time to check how your home withstood the season. When spring arrives, you might find you have a list of projects to help your home recover from winter. You can download our checklist here.

How can I help my home recover from winter?

When the temperatures start rising and snow is melting, it’s the prime time to ask yourself some important questions about how your home weathered winter.

• How’s your roof looking? Have your roof inspected. This is especially important if you notice any leaks or loose shingles or metal. The freezing and thawing that was so common this past winter can create big splits out of small cracks. Read this to check if you have the right insurance coverage to protect your roof.
• Do any ceilings have stains? If your roof is leaking, your ceiling may have a yellow or brown stain. If so, first fix the leak before sealing the stain with a sealer/primer then apply a coat or two of paint. Moisture problems can lead to mold or mildew build-up, so fix them quickly before you have a bigger problem on your hands.
• Are your doors and windows in good shape? Inspect windows and doors. Things to look for on doors include bent or broken hinges, frames or edges. Depending on the extent of the damage, you can either repair or replace the door. Also, check screens for holes before you swap out your storm panels.
• Are there cracks in your driveway? Consider resealing your driveway. A lot of water seeps into driveways during the winter, which can create cracks when it freezes then thaws. If you notice a lot of cracks, consider having it resealed to prevent further cracking.
• Does your deck need some TLC? Seal your deck every few years. If your deck is looking worn-down, have it pressure washed and resealed. Check for loose railings, splintering boards and any loose nails. If you plan to hire a professional to repair and update your deck, use our checklist for hiring the right contactor.
• Does your fence need repaired? Check your fence(s). Repair or replace any loose slats or rot on your fences. Use epoxy to patch up any worn wood. Use these tips for larger fence renovations, too.
• Did winter leave your gutters clogged? Leaves can weigh things down while ice dams can bend and break gutters. Grab a pair of gloves, a sturdy ladder and a trowel to clear any leaves and debris out. Call a professional if you’re not comfortable doing this on your own. Want more tips? Check out this post on how to clean your gutters.
• Did ice dams impact your roof? If you’re dealing with an ice dam and want to try a DIY approach, first remove snow with a long-handled aluminum roof rake. Then fill a pair of pantyhose with calcium chloride ice melter and hang it from your roof so it crosses the ice dam and hangs off the gutter. If that doesn’t melt the ice dam, call a pro—you don’t want to be up on your roof during icy conditions. Learn more in this post on what to know about ice dams.
• Do you need to reseal any openings? Apply caulk to leak-prone areas. Expansion and contraction can cause openings that will let April rains seep in. Seal it up by applying exterior caulk to leak-prone areas like windows and areas of the siding where walls join together.
• Are your spigots in good shape? Inspect outside faucets and hoses. Turn them on to ensure water is still running as it should; if you can stop the flow with your thumb, the water pressure may be too low and a pipe inside your home may need to be fixed.
• Did winter affect your foundation? Look for frost heave. Take a look at your home's foundation for cracked, tilted or displaced concrete floor slabs. After winter, a frost heave could cause your home's foundation to shift. Use these tips to spot and prevent frost heave damage.

How can I help my yard recover from winter?

Your yard goes dormant throughout the winter, and the cold temperatures can seriously wear it down. These questions can help you identify where your yard needs some help.

• How’s your lawn looking? Check for damaged patches of lawn. Salt, plows and disease can do a number on your grass, so use a metal rake to remove any dead or damaged patches.
• When and how short should you cut your grass? Don’t mow too early. Grass needs a chance to reestablish itself, so let it grow reasonably tall before mowing. For the first mow, use the high setting to keep the grass strong. Be sure to take a walk through your lawn beforehand as well, and clean up any branches or debris that blew into your yard during the winter storms.
• Should you overseed your lawn? Yes. Overseeding is the process of planting grass seeds directly into the existing turf. This leads to denser grass with more color variation. Though best done in the fall, you can still get great results by overseeding in the spring. Slit-seeder machines can do the work for you; ask a home supply store specialist for help choosing one.
• What if you’re tired of maintaining your grass lawn? Switch to a new grass alternative. If you’ve been debating abandoning the traditional grass lawn for something with less maintenance, spring and fall are typically the best times to start.
• Do your shrubs and trees need pruned? Spring is ideal for taming overgrown trees and shrubs. Using a pruner, trim trees and shrubs back to their live stems. (For any branches thicker than ½ inch, use a handsaw.)
• When can you start cleaning up your yard? Wait until temperatures are consistently in the 50s. (Wait until the soil warms up in mid- to late-spring before applying a new layer of mulch. If you put it down too early, it will slow the warming process.) Clean up the area around plants. Rake up any leaves, uproot any dead annuals and remove existing mulch a little at a time as the temperatures warm. While in your garden, cut back flowering perennials to a height of four or five inches to allow space for new growth.
• What’s the best way to clean up your walkway? Rake any errant gravel back into place. If you have flagstones, fill new sand or stone dust into the cracks. If stones are looking weathered, consider using a pressure washer to take grime off.

Make sure you take a look at how to help your car recover from winter, too. 

What happens if I don’t stay on top of home maintenance?

While it might be tempting (and cheaper in the short term) to push off certain repairs, not tackling them right away can lead to more damage and bigger repair costs in the long run.

For example, not fixing your roof if it has leaks or missing shingles could lead to persistent water leaks that could impact your home’s structural integrity. You could end up replacing not just shingles but wooden beams, repairing ceiling water spots and potentially even addressing mold issues.

Deferred maintenance that a homeowner was aware of but didn’t repair can also result in a denied claim, especially when it comes to claims involving water.

Protect your home with homeowners insurance you can trust

You work hard to invest in your home. At ERIE, we get the emotional and financial importance of your biggest investment – which is why our homeowners insurance goes the distance.

Ask a local ERIE agent about homeowners insurance with 100% Guaranteed Replacement Cost.¹ Unlike an actual cash value policy that subtracts for wear and tear and depreciation, Guaranteed Replacement Cost covers the cost to rebuild after a covered loss at current construction costs, especially with the cost of materials continuing to rise.

Learn more about what makes our homeowners coverage different, or find a local ERIE agent to request a quote.

¹Guaranteed Replacement Cost applies to covered losses and requires home improvements over $5,000 to be reported within 90 days—not available with all policies and in all states. Coverage of costs to comply with laws or ordinances is subject to limits. Depreciation will be deducted until repair or replacement is completed. Talk to your ERIE agent for more information.

Posted on 9 March 2026 | 5:00 pm

Posted on 5 March 2026 | 4:00 pm